King: play me at the back

Ledley King wants talks with acting Tottenham manager David Pleat about moving back to his favoured position in central defence.

King, called up late to England's squad when Arsenal's Sol Campbell dropped out, was an outstanding success in the 1-1 draw with Euro 2004 hosts Portugal.

Playing in his favourite position rather than in midfield, where he has been employed by Spurs for most of the season, the Bow-born defender capped an impressive first start by scoring England's goal in the 46th minute.

'It's something I am going to have to think about,' admitted King today. 'I need to go back to the club and speak with them. I have enjoyed playing in midfield but I do feel my strongest position is at the back.'

Sven-Goran Eriksson was delighted with King. The England coach said: 'He came in to the squad late but did very well.'

Asked whether he would consider King for a place in his squad for Euro 2004, Eriksson conceded: 'He showed he is ready for the big international games. He is one option for sure after that performance. He is much closer to it.'

The 6ft 2in Spurs defender admitted he was nervous before the match but said: 'Gareth Southgate alongside me was a big help. He is an experienced player and he coached me through the game.' However, King is not expecting too much following one impressive performance. 'What I have to do now is go back to my club, keep playing well, hopefully at the back, and hope to be picked for future squads. If I can do that, who knows what will happen?'

King's goal came when David Beckham floated in a free-kick and the Spurs star and Portugal defender Miguel Ribeiro challenged for the ball.

'It was a free-kick so I went up there to try and cause some havoc,' said King. 'I managed to put some pressure on the defender and the ball ended up in the net. To be honest I am not sure exactly what happened but I did think the ball came off me last.'

Southgate, who was also playing for one of the places in Eriksson's squad for Euro 2004, believes that playing in midfield could ultimately be beneficial to King. The Middlesbrough defender said: 'I am sure Ledley wants to play in the centre of the defence but there are times in club football when you have to do a job for the team. It will be good for him in the long run because it will make him appreciate what people have to do in midfield.'

Both King and Southgate played the full 90 minutes - despite Eriksson using nine substitutes - and the former Crystal Palace and Aston Villa player said: 'I enjoyed it alongside Ledley because Portugal are a talented side and it took an outstanding free-kick to peg us back. On his first start, Ledley did exceptionally well. He was very calm and very assured.'

It will be difficult for Eriksson to leave King out for his next warm-up match, next month in Sweden, although the England coach should have Campbell, Chelsea's John Terry and Newcastle's Jonathan Woodgate all back fit for that date.

The Chelsea players involved in the game, Frank Lampard, Wayne Bridge and Joe Cole, all came through unscathed for Saturday's vital London derby with Arsenal - unlike Ashley Cole, who went off with a back problem. It is a game which Claudio Ranieri's team cannot afford to lose .

Chelsea also face a tough Champions League challenge away to Stuttgart next week and Bridge admitted: 'This is a big week for us. We want to win something this season and these are two competitions in which we have to progress as far as we can.

'I would be very disappointed along with all the other Chelsea players if we don't win something this season.'